The call to service in the church is not offered to a particular group of believers but to all believers. Everyone who becomes a member of the body of the Lord should have a mission and work in the vineyard of the Lord.
Abba Bakhomius, Archbishop of the Beheira, Matrouh and North Africa, said in his article the Service that the service may be different from one person to another according to the message that the Lord gives to every member of the Church. Yet, all calls should work for the glory of God and the spread of His kingdom.
Jesus called his disciples from the shore of Tiberias, and with all love they accepted his call, and left their nets and boats, and followed Him.
On the contrary, we find the young rich man whom the Lord called to sell all that he had and follow Him, the young man stumbled and could not accept the Lord s invitation to him. Jesus called Peter to follow him and be a fisherman for the people, and he knew not that he will be crucified upside down. Saul was called to bear the name of the Lord and preach to him among the Gentiles, which he had accepted under no conditions.
Accepting the call for ministery has to be under no conditions and will all obedience. Jesus taught his disciples that no one can serve God and the world at the same time.
Service call gives great blessings to its receivers like Abraham whom the Lord promised to make him a blessing and to be a great nation, and St. Peter was promised to become a fisherman for the people. St. Paul was selected as a chosen vessel. Finally, we have to prepare ourselves for the ministry like Abraham and many saints who suffered for the sake of Jesus Christ. May God help us realize and follow his call.
